Nose and Sinus

Nose and Sinus

Common nose/sinus conditions we treat

Congenital and acquired conditions

We work with children who were born with a nose or sinus problem (sometimes called a congenital condition) or who have a nasal condition that has developed over time (an acquired condition).

We can correct masses in the nose and sinuses.

Nose bleeds

The nose is an area of the body that contains many tiny blood vessels (or arterioles) that can break easily. Nosebleeds can occur at any age but are most common in young children and older adults.

Nosebleeds are divided into two types, depending on whether the bleeding is coming from the front or back of the nose. Most nosebleeds are easily treated medically. However, some nosebleeds may represent a bleeding disorder or be particularly difficult to treat without surgery.

Nasal obstruction

Nasal congestion, stuffiness, or obstruction to nasal breathing is one of the oldest and most common human complaints. For some, it may only be a nuisance; for others, nasal congestion can be a source of considerable discomfort. Medical writers have established four main causes of nasal obstruction: infection, structural abnormalities, allergic, and nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis. Children often have a combination of these factors, which vary from person to person.

Sinusitis

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It usually is preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains into the nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection.

Your doctor will diagnose acute sinusitis if you have up to four weeks of purulent (infected) nasal drainage accompanied by nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure/fullness or both. The sinus infection is likely bacterial if it persists for 10 days or longer or if the symptoms worsen after an initial improvement.

Skull base lesions

Children's Mercy is fortunate to have specialists with expertise in treating skull base lesions. These ENT providers work closely with our neurosurgeons to find the best course of treatment for children with skull base tumors.